Boeing improves 737 MAX efficiency gains to 14%, on track for first delivery in 3Q2017

Boeing stated (29-Oct-2013) the 737 MAX programme continues to make steady development progress since reaching Firm Configuration on the 737 MAX 8 in Jul-2013. Engineers have completed an assessment of the aircraft's performance confirming an additional 1% fuel-efficiency improvement over the 13% already promised to customers. VP and GM 737 MAX programme Keith Leverkuhn said, "Programme and airplane performance just continues to improve...We have been very disciplined in our approach and continue to realise more benefit for our customers as we retire risk on the programme and get further into development." Boeing said that aircraft that will operate the 737 MAX now will realise a 14% fuel-efficiency improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle aircraft and at longer ranges, the improvement will be even greater. Mr Leverkuhn added, "This recent fuel-efficiency gain will widen the performance gap in the single-aisle market, reinforcing the 737 MAX's position as the value leader". The 737 MAX will feature several new systems that will improve the management of maintenance information. For example, some Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) information will be brought into the flight deck meaning that "maintenance issues can be resolved faster". The MAX also will include an enhanced onboard network system comprised of a digital flight data acquisition unit (eDFDAU) and network file server (NFS). These systems will provide a centralised data collection system with more storage capacity, doubling the maintenance data available during flight. The system will be capable of connecting the aircraft in flight to aircraft operations on the ground enabling airlines to better prepare for potential dispatch issues. 737 MAX chief project engineer Michael Teal added, "We are enhancing the capability of the 737 MAX to meet the future needs of a digital world.. Recognising that the Next-Generation 737 is already the most reliable single-aisle airplane with 99.7 percent of flights departing on time, we are being very deliberate about any changes we make to the airplane systems on the 737 MAX to make the airplane even easier to operate and maintain." Mr Leverkuhn also confirmed, "We are on track for first delivery of the 737 MAX in the third quarter of 2017." [more - original PR]

You may also be interested in the following articles...

When CAPA – Centre for Aviation held its first conference in Iran at the end of Jan-2016 the atmosphere was primarily one of optimism. Immediately preceding the conference the expectation was that Iran and the West would move to rapidly reverse decades of estrangement. The first round of sanctions against Iran had come down – in line with the historic 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the ‘5+1’ powers – and major airlines and aircraft manufacturers were coming to the table.

While it was acknowledged that progress on major deals was not going to happen overnight, the hope was that as layers of sanctions came down, Iran would be embraced by the rest of the world. In return, Iran was expected to open itself up progressively to foreign trade and investment, and to travel.

The road ahead was perceived to be one that was both a very different, and far easier, one than the one Iran had already travelled. Aviation in particular was a sector that was expected to shine and lead the way for a new era for the country.

During the first few years of the decade Hawaiian Airlines undertook a massive network expansion that included the addition of more than 10 long haul routes. With a few minor expansions Hawaiian efforts have been successful, reflected in the airline’s more balanced network that features some of Hawaii’s largest origin markets.

Hawaiian begins taking the next steps to fill gaps within its network in 2017. During the year the airline starts accepting deliveries of Airbus A321neos that allow it to serve smaller secondary markets in North America without degrading the company’s cost performance – which is proving to be a challenge in the short term. Hawaiian believes the aircraft is uniquely qualified to handle some of the operating conditions from the region’s islands to the US mainland.

Hawaiian embarks on 2017 enjoying a significant revenue premium above the US industry and the airline continues to strengthen its revenue management techniques to maximise product offerings, including extra legroom seating and new lie-flat premium seating on its Airbus widebody aircraft. The company is forecasting modest capacity growth for the year of 2% to 5%, the bulk of which is driven by new services to Tokyo launched in 2016.